Hard, fought performance by women's soccer

Jacksonville, IL-- I have never been more proud of, yet heartbroken for, this team at the same time. Tonight, the Panthers performed the best soccer of the season, thus far, against the Illinois College Lady Blues. It was a hard fought battle between these two teams but in the end, the Lady Blues would come away with the win on the scoreboard.

The Panthers may have had one lapse in the whole 90 minute game that resulted in that final goal, however, it is important to note they played a full 90 minutes together, as a team. The backline, which includes Hannah Hathaway, Kiona Sperr, Tara Adhikari, Yana Wood, and Taylan Hayes- has stepped up to become tough for attackers to beat. They were fearless, making composed decisions with the ball, and never gave up on a play. Our midfield, which includes Annika Friborg, Viviane de Castro, Bella Cowart, Maddie Wann, and Georgia Rather- all combined together to help build threatening attacks and came back on defense to support the back five. Our forward, Hannah Sipe, created space with her runs, combining with the midfield, and supporting defensively. We had huge contributions from players that came off the bench, Sophia Hathaway and Desmar Ngei both who came into the midfield to provide relief and who maintained the intensity of the 11 on the field. Those that did not enter the game (Rachel McLeod-Warrick, Louisa Hansen, Brittany Ouellette, and Christina Redington) were just as important by their engagement on the field and providing support/encouragement to those on the field.

The Panthers found themselves trailing in the first half 0-1 after an own goal occurred early in the half from a cross by a Lady Blue. Our defense had it covered but it would appear through the physical play that our player was pushed and as she was falling, would put the ball in our own goal. It was an unfortunate situation but the Panthers responded positively, we had chances on goal as well, with free kicks and corners but would not be able to capitalize on anything in the first half.

The second half, the Panthers continued to fight, coming out much more determined. This time, the Panthers would finish off an opportunity late in the half when Sipe chased down a ball along the right side of the field and find  Wann in the box for a one-time rocket to the back of the net. It was a well deserved goal by the Panthers. It looked like the game would go into overtime with only 90 seconds remaining yet that would not be how tonight's story played out. The Lady Blues had a corner kick and were able to beat the Panther's to the ball for the goal. The Panthers didn't give up but there wasn't enough time for them to get another goal. The Panthers would lose 1-2.

It was heartbreaking because it didn't seem fair but that's just how it goes in the world of sports. Now we have the opportunity to pick ourselves up with grace, be resilient, and step back on the field this Saturday on our home field to face off against Earlham College at 1pm.